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Nathan Oblak

 

Thomism and Natural Law

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

November 9, 2022

This week in the thought of Thomas Aquinas, we examine the idea of natural law, and conclude that, as articulated by Aquinas, it is an idea that gives unwarranted scope to human reason, and effectively makes God equal with His law. In contrast, Scripture teaches that God is the source of all definition, and that human law must be positivized in an historical context.

 

Aquinas and the State

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

November 2, 2022

We could have also titled this episode How the Reformation delivered us from ecclesiocracy. Here we discuss Aquinas’ political philosophy, the problem with his adoption of Aristotle’s teaching that man is a political animal, and the need for an utterly transcendent authority.

 

Aquinas and the Nature/Grace Divide

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

October 26, 2022

There is a common assumption in Christianity that at the fall, man lost a supernatural gift of grace, but retained his natural faculties intact and unscathed – including the faculty of reason. In this episode, Joe Boot explains that the biblical distinction is not nature and grace, but wrath and grace: those who belong to Christ and those who war against Him.

 

Aquinas and Aristotle

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

October 12, 2022

As we continue this short series on Thomas Aquinas, it’s important to consider his dominant influences; chief among these is the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. This episode considers Aristotle’s contributions to the field of philosophy, and dwells on his ideas about the nature of man.

 

The Irony of Aquinas

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

October 5, 2022

We have new music and a new theme as we get rolling in Season 6. In this episode we begin a short series on the life, thought, and influence of Thomas Aquinas, the medieval scholastic philosopher and theologian, introducing his person and major works, and considering why there seems to be a recent revival of…

 

Leadership, Covid Mandates, and Religious Wars

by Aaron Rock and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

September 28, 2022

Aaron Rock joins the podcast this week to discuss the scheduled expiry of Canadian border restrictions and the ArriveCan app. We also discuss Canada’s latest Federal Action Plan to advance LGBTQ rights, and the inescapability of religious commitments.

 

The Frankfurt Declaration and the Cultural Mandate

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

September 7, 2022

We’re back with a brand-new season of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation! Joe, Nate, and Ryan discuss the recently published Frankfurt Declaration of Christian and Civil Liberties, and the relationship of the Cultural Mandate and Great Commission. In its most basic formulation, we tend to see Christians desiring to conform to culture or to escape culture, though the biblical calling is for God’s saints to transform and build culture.

 

Asking God to Change the Status Quo w/ Andrew Sandlin

by Andrew Sandlin and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

August 31, 2022 | Ephesians Ephesians 6:18-20

Ezra Institute Fellow Andrew Sandlin responds to listener questions on prayer: why it is difficult to develop a habit of prayerfulness, how to pray boldly and faithfully, and what happens when we pray.

 

The Foundation for Thinking

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

August 17, 2022

Where do we locate the starting point for human thinking? Descartes famously identified human nature with thought: “I think, therefore I am.” However, the “I” who thinks must find its foundation in something prior to thought. The Christian perspective locates the root of thinking in the heart, which makes a religious choice about the origin of all things.

 

A Crisis in Conservatism?

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

July 27, 2022 | Hebrews Hebrews 10:23-24

In this episode, we discuss Edmund Burke and the origins of modern conservative ideology; we consider the validity of the sentiment that there is a crisis in conservatism, as well as the historic connection between conservatism and Christianity. Joe Boot explains how the contemporary attempt to distinguish between fiscal and social conservatism is a practical impossibility.

 

The Great Commission w/ Dale Partridge

by Dale Partridge and Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

July 13, 2022 | Matthew Matthew 28:18-20

Dale Partridge joins us as a guest this week to discuss how his organization is working to fulfill the Great Commission on a national and international scale. We also discuss the masculinity of Jesus, and the eschatological hope that motivates our evangelistic efforts.

 

Roe v. Wade and the Image of God

by Joe Boot and Nathan Oblak and Ryan Eras

July 6, 2022 | Psalms Psalm 139: 13-22

What does the recent Dobbs decision of the US Supreme Court mean for the practice of abortion? We discuss why it’s fitting for Christians to loudly celebrate this ruling, as well as the reason we must approach issues related to life in terms of God’s standard, for any other standard is ultimately arbitrary and subject to change.